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Master the Five-Paragraph Essay

5 paragraph essay death penalty

The five-paragraph essay is one of the most common composition assignments out there, whether for high school or college students. It is a classic assignment because it presents an arena in which writers can demonstrate their command of language and punctuation, as well as their logic and rhetorical skills. These skills are useful not only for classroom assignments and college application essays, but even in the business world, as employees have to write memorandums and reports, which draw on the same skills.

Mastering the five-paragraph essay is doable, and here are some tips.

Components of a Good Essay

The five-paragraph essay lives up to its name, because is has five paragraphs, as follows: an introductory paragraph that includes a thesis, three body paragraphs, each which includes support and development, and one concluding paragraph.

Its structure sometimes generates other names for the same essay, including three-tier essay, one-three-one, or a hamburger essay. Whether you are writing a cause-and-effect essay, a persuasive essay, an argumentative essay or a compare-and-contrast essay, you should use this same structure and the following specifics.

Keys to Introductory Paragraphs

Any introductory paragraph contains from three to five sentences and sets up the tone and structure for the whole essay. The first sentence should be a so-called hook sentence and grabs the reader. Examples of hook sentences include a quote, a joke, a rhetorical question or a shocking fact. This is the sentence that will keep your readers reading. Draw them in.

What Makes a Thesis Statement

The last sentence should be your thesis statement, which is the argument you are going to make in the essay. It is the sentence that contains the main point of the essay, or what you are trying to prove. It should be your strongest claim in the whole essay, telling the reader what the paper is about. You should be able to look back at it to keep your argument focused. The other sentences in this paragraph should be general information that links the first sentence and the thesis.

Content of Supporting Paragraphs

Each of the next three paragraphs follows the same general structure of the introductory paragraph. That is, they have one introduction sentence, evidence and arguments in three to five sentences, and a conclusion. Each one of them should define and defend your thesis sentence in the introduction.

The first body paragraph should be dedicated to proving your most powerful point. The second body paragraph can contain your weakest point, because the third body paragraph can, and should, support another strong argument.

Concluding Paragraph Tips

Your concluding paragraph is important, and can be difficult. Ideally, you can begin by restating your thesis. Then you can recall or restate all three to five of your supporting arguments. You should summarize each main point. If you have made similar arguments multiple times, join those together in one sentence.

Essentially, in the concluding or fifth paragraph, you should restate what your preceding paragraphs were about and draw a conclusion. It should answer the question: So what? Even if the answer seems obvious to you, write it down so that your reader can continue to easily follow your thinking process, and hopefully, agree with you.

A Note on Compare and Contrast

Let’s look a little more closely at the compare-and-contrast essay, which is a very common assignment. It can be a confusing one due to the terms used. Comparing two items is to show how they are alike. Contrasting two items is to show how they are different. One way to approach this essay is to make a grid for yourself that compares or contrasts two items before you start writing. Then, write about those characteristics. Do not try to write about both. The name of the essay is actually misleading.

Keep these pointers in mind when you need to write a five-paragraph essay, and your end result will be clear in its argument, leading your reader to the right conclusion. Often, that conclusion is to agree with you, and who doesn’t like to be right?

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5 paragraph essay death penalty

Death Penalty - Essay Samples And Topic Ideas For Free

The death penalty, also known as capital punishment, remains a contentious issue in many societies. Essays on this topic could explore the moral, legal, and social arguments surrounding the practice, including discussions on retribution, deterrence, and justice. They might delve into historical trends in the application of the death penalty, the potential for judicial error, and the disparities in its application across different demographic groups. Discussions might also explore the psychological impact on inmates, the families involved, and the society at large. They could also analyze the global trends toward abolition or retention of the death penalty and the factors influencing these trends. A substantial compilation of free essay instances related to Death Penalty you can find at Papersowl. You can use our samples for inspiration to write your own essay, research paper, or just to explore a new topic for yourself.

Does the Death Penalty Effectively Deter Crime?

The death penalty in America has been effective since 1608. Throughout the years following the first execution, criminal behaviors have begun to deteriorate. Capital punishment was first formed to deter crime and treason. As a result, it increased the rate of crime, according to researchers. Punishing criminals by death does not effectively deter crime because criminals are not concerned with consequences, apprehension, and judges are not willing to pay the expenses. During the stage of mens rea, thoughts of committing […]

Death Penalty and Justice

By now, many of us are familiar with the statement, "an eye for an eye," which came from the bible, so it should be followed as holy writ. Then there was Gandhi, who inspired thousands and said, "an eye for an eye will leave us all blind." This begs the question, which option do we pick to be a good moral agent, in the terms of justice that is. Some states in America practice the death penalty, where some states […]

Stephen Nathanson’s “An Eye for an Eye”

According to Stephen Nathanson's "An Eye for an Eye?", he believes that capital punishment should be immediately abolished and that the principle of punishment, "lex talionis" which correlates to the classic saying "an eye for an eye" is not a valid reason for issuing the death penalty in any country, thus, abolishment of Capital Punishment should follow. Throughout the excerpt from his book, Nathanson argues against this principle believing that one, it forces us to "commit highly immoral actions”raping a […]

Death Penalty should be Abolished

What jurisdiction does the law have over one's life? The United states was founded on the rights of life, liberty, and property. Death Penalty also known as capital punishment is a form of punishment in which a criminal is put to death because of his or her action in murder. The denial of life that is capital punishment is conflicting to what the United States was founded on. The death penalty is currently legal in 30 states and illegal or […]

The Death Penalty should not be Legal

Imagine you hit your sibling and your mom hits you back to teach that you shouldn't be hitting anyone. Do you really learn not to be violent from that or instead do you learn how it is okay for moms or dads to hit their children in order to teach them something? This is exactly how the death penalty works. The death penalty has been a form of punishment for decades. There are several methods of execution and those are […]

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About Carlton Franklin

In most other situations, the long-unsolved Westfield Murder would have been a death penalty case. A 57-year-old legal secretary, Lena Triano, was found tied up, raped, beaten, and stabbed in her New Jersey home. A DNA sample from her undergarments connected Carlton Franklin to the scene of the crime. However, fortunately enough for Franklin, he was not convicted until almost four decades after the murder and, in an unusual turn of events, was tried in juvenile court. Franklin was fifteen […]

The Controversy of Death Penalty

The death penalty is a very controversial topic in many states. Although the idea of the death penalty does sound terrifying, would you really want a murderer to be given food and shelter for free? Would you want a murderer to get out of jail and still end up killing another innocent person? Imagine if that murder gets out of jail and kills someone in your family; Wouldn’t you want that murderer to be killed as well? Murderers can kill […]

About the Death Penalty

The death penalty has been a method used as far back as the Eighteenth century B.C. The use of the death penalty was for punishing people for committing relentless crimes. The severity of the punishment were much more inferior in comparison to modern day. These inferior punishments included boiling live bodies, burning at the stake, hanging, and extensive use of the guillotine to decapitate criminals. In the ancient days no laws were established to dictate and regulate the type of […]

Effectively Solving Society’s Criminality

Has one ever wondered if the person standing or sitting next to them has the potential to be a murderer or a rapist? What do those who are victimized personally or have suffered from a tragic event involving a loved-one or someone near and dear to their heart, expect from the government? Convicted felons of this nature and degree of unlawfulness should be sentenced to death. Psychotic killers and rapists need the ultimate consequences such as the death penalty for […]

Pro Death Penalty

I concur the death penalty is perfect to apply in the equity community. The death penalty is a definitive discipline our general public can give one for their activities and it not all way awful. Then again it is viewed as a disavowal of human rights that advances more prominent savagery in our general public. Strict Resilience. Research shows the Organization expresses that inside the US, more than 13,000 individuals were lawfully finished since pioneer times. Strict Resilience Is the […]

Religious Values and Death Penalty

Religious and moral values tell us that killing is wrong. Thou shall not kill. To me, the death penalty is inhumane. Killing people makes us like the murderers that most of us despise. No imperfect system should have the right to decide who lives and who dies. The government is made up of imperfect humans, who make mistakes. The only person that should be able to take life, is god. "An eye for an eye leaves the whole world blind". […]

Punishment and the Nature of the Crime

When an individual commits a crime then he/she is given punishment depending on the nature of the crime committed. The US's way of giving punishment to an offender has been criticized for many years. There are 2 types of cases; civil and criminal cases. In civil cases, most of the verdict comprises of jail time or fine amount to be paid. These are not as severe except the one related to money laundering and forgery. On the other hand, criminal […]

The Death Penalty: Right or Wrong?

The death penalty has been a controversial topic throughout the years and now more than ever, as we argue; Right or Wrong? Moral or Immoral? Constitutional or Unconstitutional? The death penalty also known as capital punishment is a legal process where the state justice sentences an individual to be executed as punishment for a crime committed. The death penalty sentence strongly depends on the severity of the crime, in the US there are 41 crimes that can lead to being […]

Is the Death Penalty “Humane”

What’s the first thing that pops up in your mind when you hear the words Capital Punishment? I’m assuming for most people the first thing that pops up is a criminal sitting on a chair, with all limbs tied down, and some type of mechanism connected to their head. Even though this really isn't the way that it is done, I do not blame people for imagining that type of image because that is how movies usually portray capital punishment. […]

Death Penalty is Immoral

Let's say your child grabs a plate purposely. You see them grab the plate, smash it on the ground and look you straight in the eyes. Are they deserving of a punishment? Now what if I say your child is three years old. A three year old typically doesn't know they have done something wrong. But since your child broke that one plate, your kid is being put on death row. You may be thinking, that is too harsh of […]

The Death Penalty and Juveniles

Introduction: In today's society, many juveniles are being sent to trial without having the chance of getting a fair trial as anyone else would. Many citizens would see juveniles as dangerous individuals, but in my opinion how a teenager acts at home starts at home. Punishing a child for something that could have been solved at home is something that should not have to get worse by giving them the death penalty. The death penalty should not be imposed on […]

Is the Death Penalty Morally Right?

There have been several disputes on whether the death penalty is morally right. Considering the ethical issues with this punishment can help distinguish if it should be denied or accepted. For example, it can be argued that a criminal of extreme offenses should be granted the same level of penance as their crime. During the duration of their sentencing they could repent on their actions and desire another opportunity of freedom. The death penalty should be outlawed because of too […]

Ineffectiveness of Death Penalty

Death penalty as a means of punishing crime and discouraging wrong behaviour has suffered opposition from various fronts. Religious leaders argue that it is morally wrong to take someone's life while liberal thinkers claim that there are better ways to punish wrong behaviour other than the death penalty. This debate rages on while statistically, Texas executes more individuals than any other state in the United States of America. America itself also has the highest number of death penalty related deaths […]

Euthanasia and Death Penalty

Euthanasia and death penalty are two controversy topics, that get a lot of attention in today's life. The subject itself has the roots deep in the beginning of the humankind. It is interesting and maybe useful to learn the answer and if there is right or wrong in those actions. The decision if a person should live or die depends on the state laws. There are both opponents and supporters of the subject. However different the opinions are, the state […]

The Solution to the Death Penalty

There has never been a time when the United States of America was free from criminals indulging in killing, stealing, exploiting people, and even selling illegal items. Naturally, America refuses to tolerate the crimes committed by those who view themselves as above the law. Once these convicts are apprehended, they are brought to justice. In the past, these criminals often faced an ultimate punishment: the death penalty. Mercy was a foreign concept due to their underdeveloped understanding of the value […]

The Debate of the Death Penalty

Capital punishment is a moral issue that is often scrutinized due to the taking of someone’s life. This is in large part because of the views many have toward the rule of law or an acceptance to the status quo. In order to get a true scope of the death penalty, it is best to address potential biases from a particular ethical viewpoint. By looking at it from several theories of punishment, selecting the most viable theory makes it a […]

Cost of the Death Penalty

The death penalty costs more than life in prison. According to Fox News correspondent Dan Springer, the State of California spent 4 billion dollars to execute 13 individuals, in addition to the net spend of an estimated $64,000 per prisoner every year. Springer (2011) documents how the death penalty convictions declined due to economic reasons. The state spends up to 3 times more when seeking a death penalty than when pursuing a life in prison without the possibility of parole. […]

The Death Penalty is not Worth the Cost

The death penalty is a government practice, used as a punishment for capital crimes such as treason, murder, and genocide to name a few. It has been a controversial topic for many years some countries still use it while others don't. In the United States, each state gets to choose whether they consider it to be legal or not. Which is why in this country 30 states allow it while 20 states have gotten rid of it. It is controversial […]

George Walker Bush and Death Penalty

George Walker Bush, a former U.S. president, and governor of Texas, once spoke, "I don't think you should support the death penalty to seek revenge. I don't think that's right. I think the reason to support the death penalty is because it saves other people's lives." The death penalty, or capital punishment, refers to the execution of a criminal convicted of a capital offense. With many criminals awaiting execution on death row, the death penalty has been a debated topic […]

Why the Death Penalty is Unjust

Capital punishment being either a justifiable law, or a horrendous, unjust act can be determined based on the perspective of different worldviews. In a traditional Christian perspective, the word of God given to the world in The Holy Bible should only be abided by. The Holy Bible states that no man (or woman) should shed the blood of another man (or woman). Christians are taught to teach a greater amount of sacrifice for the sake of the Lord. Social justice […]

Costs: Death Penalty Versus Prison Costs

The Conservatives Concerned Organization challenges the notion that the death penalty is more cost effective compared to prison housing and feeding costs. The organization argues that the death penalty is an expensive lengthy and complicated process concluding that it is not only a bloated program that delays justice and bogs down the enforcement of the law, it is also an inefficient justice process that diverts financial resources from law enforcement programs that could protect individuals and save lives. According to […]

The Death Penalty and People’s Opinions

The death penalty is a highly debated topic that often divided opinion amongst people all around the world. Firstly, let's take a look at our capital punishments, with certain crimes, come different serving times. Most crimes include treason, espionage, murder, large-scale drug trafficking, and murder towards a juror, witness, or a court officer in some cases. These are a few examples compared to the forty-one federal capital offenses to date. When it comes to the death penalty, there are certain […]

Death Penalty as a Source of Constant Controversy

The death penalty has been a source of almost constant controversy for hundreds of years, splitting the population down the middle with people supporting the death penalty and people that think it is unnecessary. The amount of people that are been against the death penalty has grown in recent years, causing the amount of executions to dwindle down to where there is less than one hundred every year. This number will continue to lessen as more and more people decide […]

Death Penalty is Politically Just?

Being wrongfully accused is unimaginable, but think if you were wrongfully accused and the ultimate punishment was death. Death penalty is one of the most controversial issues in today's society, but what is politically just? When a crime is committed most assume that the only acceptable consequence is to be put to death rather than thinking of another form of punishment. Religiously the death penalty is unfair because the, "USCCB concludes prisoners can change and find redemption through ministry outreach, […]

Just Mercy – Powerful Argument against the Death Penalty

Our character is measured by how we treat the accused, disfavored, the poor, and the condemned as well as the incarcerated. Bryan Stevenson is the executive director and founder of the Montgomery-based Equal Justice Initiative. He is a lawyer and spends most of his time in prisons, jails and on death row. He works on the criminal justice system and he noticed several problems affecting the system, racial injustice being one of them. An African-American man, Walter McMillan spent six […]

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Can the death penalty effectively deter severe crimes like murders? Is this measure against human life just? Or should it get abolished? These and other dilemmas have made the death penalty controversial for years. And while public opinion often changes depending on the current affairs in the country, many firmly believe that capital punishment is righteous and prisons should continue to perform it. Overall, the United States has divided attitudes on this subject. Figures are in favor of this claim. More specifically, the measure is legal in 24 states, 24 have abolished the death penalty, and three have signed moratoriums. The penalty by decapitalization has been around since ancient times. Many inscriptions witness the practice which continues in civilized countries today. The debate is ongoing about how such an advanced democracy like the US hasn’t prohibited the death penalty. Many believe this punishment method is barbaric, so the subject opens the way for various essay examples on death penalty. The research paper or speech presentation can highlight the effectiveness of the measure, the reasons for its abolition, or the pros and cons of pronouncing the death penalty. One may also decide to outline the timeline of the punishment by execution or its effects on society. A summary of the worst executions ever is a plausible idea, too. Naturally, your work will start with an introduction, whereas the conclusion will wrap up your views. Depending on the crime committed, thesis statements can include a thought-provoking question. Undoubtedly, the controversy provides rich land for papers that college teachers prefer to assign to students. At PapersOwl, you will find many argumentative essays about the death penalty. These samples can help you grasp the structure, layout, and literary techniques that persuade the reader to adopt your position. You will also draw inspiration for arguments and counterarguments on essay topics about executing criminals. Ultimately, you can get practical help and research assistance if you’re new to academic writing. Experts at PapersOwl will compose a custom-made model piece tailored to your requirements.

Essays on Death Penalty Capital punishment has existed ever since humans started to form the first communities. What is surprising is that it has not yet been abolished in many parts of the world, and it is a matter of heated debate even in the most developed nations. More than one hundred countries have completely abolished the death penalty for all crimes, while very few of them apply it to special circumstances of national security such as war crimes. To write a research paper about death penalty, it’s important to consider that the public opinion about this issue is heavily related to the religious, cultural, political, and ideological climate. In the Western World, for example, the United States is the only country that has allowed capital punishment for decades, even though the 8th amendment of the U.S. Constitution prohibits the federal government from imposing cruel punishments on its citizens. Death penalty laws are present in the legislation of nations as different as China, India, Nigeria, Egypt, Taiwan, Indonesia and Saudi Arabia, and several others. The best way to explore the pros and cons of death penalty laws is to read an argumentative essay on this issue. Since the countries that retain this punishment are home to over 60% of the world’s population, an essay on death penalty should outline how national laws treat this topic. One of the most challenging topics to cover in an essay is the morality of the death penalty, so refer to these examples if you want to understand how to write a persuasive essay for or against capital punishment.

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Home — Essay Samples — Social Issues — Human Rights — Death Penalty

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Argumentative Essays on Death Penalty

The pros of the death penalty: a comprehensive analysis, the death penalty's ineffectiveness as a crime deterrent, made-to-order essay as fast as you need it.

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How The Death Penalty Violates The 8th Amendment

Capital punishment: establish or demolish.

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The Death Penalty: Pros and Cons

Why the death penalty should be abolished, let us write you an essay from scratch.

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Why I Support The Death Penalty in Special Cases

Reasons why the death penalty is wrong, should the death penalty be abolished, why death penalty should be canceled, get a personalized essay in under 3 hours.

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Pro Death Penalty: Uncovering The Good Side in The Evil

Pro-death penalty arguments: a comprehensive analysis, the ethics of capital punishment: death is not a right decision, the death penalty as an effective punishment, abolishment of capital punishment, why capital punishment should be legalized, abolishing the death penalty: a persuasive call for justice, reasons why the death penalty should be abolished, analysis of the effect of death penalty on crime rates in iran, the reasons why i am against death penalty, punishing the unforgivable: a study of capital punishment, against the death penalty: a persuasive argument for abolition, the legitimacy of the death penalty, people’s attitude to the death penalty, the death penalty issue in texas, the unethical nature of death penalty: an argumentative perspective, the public support for the death penalty in singapore, research paper on the drawbacks of death penalty, pro-death penalty arguments for serious crimes in south africa, death penalty: the answer to today's incarceration problems.

The death penalty, known as capital punishment, refers to the act of carrying out the prescribed execution of a convicted offender who has been sentenced to death by a court of law for committing a criminal offense.

The history of the death penalty stretches back thousands of years. Its origins can be traced to ancient civilizations such as Mesopotamia, where various forms of execution were practiced, including hanging, beheading, and stoning. Throughout history, the death penalty has been used by different societies as a means of punishment for a range of offenses. In medieval Europe, the death penalty became more prevalent, with common methods including burning at the stake, drawing and quartering, and hanging. The practice was often carried out publicly as a form of deterrence and to demonstrate the power of the ruling authority. Over time, there have been shifts in public opinion and legal systems regarding the death penalty. In the 18th century, the Enlightenment era brought forth ideas of human rights and the reformation of justice systems, leading to calls for the abolition of cruel and excessive punishments. In the modern era, many countries have abolished the death penalty, considering it a violation of human rights and the right to life. However, the death penalty remains in practice in several countries around the world, albeit with varying degrees of usage and controversy.

Iran, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Syria, United States, Japan, Taiwan, China, India, North Korea, Singapore, Iraq, Vietnam, Yemen, Somalia, Bangladesh, South Sudan, etc.

Hanging, shooting, lethal injection, beheading, stoning, inert gas asphyxiation, electrocution and gas inhalation.

Furman v. Georgia: In 1972, this groundbreaking legal case had a profound impact on the death penalty in the United States. The Supreme Court's decision resulted in a temporary suspension of capital punishment across the nation. The ruling declared that the arbitrary application of the death penalty violated the Eighth and Fourteenth Amendments of the Constitution. Consequently, states were compelled to revise their death penalty laws in order to address concerns of arbitrariness and ensure a fairer application of the ultimate punishment. The Troy Davis case: Troy Davis, who was convicted of murder in Georgia in 1991, garnered international attention and raised substantial doubts about the fairness and accuracy of the death penalty. Despite maintaining his innocence until his execution in 2011, his case shed light on issues such as the reliability of eyewitness testimony, the potential for racial bias within the criminal justice system, and the inherent risk of wrongful convictions.

Public opinion on the death penalty is diverse and varies across different countries and cultures. However, there are several common trends and perspectives. Supporters of the death penalty argue that it serves as a deterrent to crime and provides justice for victims and their families. They believe that certain crimes warrant the ultimate punishment and that the death penalty acts as a form of retribution. On the other hand, opponents of the death penalty raise concerns about its morality, effectiveness, and potential for wrongful convictions. They argue that capital punishment violates the right to life, promotes violence, and is irreversible in cases of wrongful execution. Many argue that the justice system is fallible and prone to errors, raising questions about the reliability and fairness of capital punishment. Public opinion on the death penalty has been shifting in some countries, with a growing trend towards abolition. Factors such as evolving societal values, concerns about human rights, and the recognition of the potential for errors and biases within the justice system have contributed to changing perspectives.

1. Deterrence. 2. Retribution. 3. Justice for victims. 4. Cost-effectiveness. 5. Upholding societal values.

1. Irreversibility. 2. Human rights. 3. Ineffectiveness as a deterrent. 4. Racial and socioeconomic biases. 5. Moral and ethical considerations.

The topic of the death penalty is of paramount importance due to its profound implications on society, justice, and human rights. It raises fundamental questions about punishment, ethics, and the role of the state in administering justice. The death penalty sparks intense debates on multiple fronts, including its effectiveness as a deterrent, the potential for wrongful convictions, and the moral implications of state-sanctioned killing. Examining the death penalty forces us to confront inherent biases and flaws within the criminal justice system, such as racial and socioeconomic disparities in sentencing. It prompts discussions on the irreversibility of capital punishment and the risks of executing innocent individuals. Moreover, it demands an exploration of alternative approaches to punishment, rehabilitation, and the potential for reforming criminal justice systems.

The topic of the death penalty is highly relevant and worth exploring in an essay for students due to its interdisciplinary nature and profound societal impact. Writing an essay on this subject provides an opportunity for students to delve into complex ethical, legal, and social issues. Studying the death penalty encourages critical thinking and analysis of the justice system, including questions about fairness, human rights, and the potential for error. It prompts students to examine the moral implications of state-sanctioned killing and grapple with issues of punishment and rehabilitation. Furthermore, researching the death penalty enables students to explore the historical and cultural aspects of capital punishment, analyzing its evolution and variations across different societies. They can investigate case studies, legal precedents, and empirical evidence to evaluate the effectiveness, equity, and potential biases associated with the death penalty.

1. In 2020, Amnesty International reported that at least 483 executions were carried out in 18 countries worldwide. The top five executing countries were China, Iran, Egypt, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia. 2. According to the Death Penalty Information Center, as of April 2021, 185 innocent individuals have been exonerated and released from death row in the United States since 1973. 3. The United States is among the few Western democracies that still retain the death penalty. However, its use has significantly declined over the years. In 2020, the country recorded the lowest number of executions (17) in nearly three decades.

1. Donohue III, J. J., & Wolfers, J. (2009). Estimating the impact of the death penalty on murder. American Law and Economics Review, 11(2), 249-309. (https://academic.oup.com/aler/article-abstract/11/2/249/232287) 2. Goldberg, A. J., & Dershowitz, A. M. (1970). Declaring the death penalty unconstitutional. Harvard Law Review, 1773-1819. (https://www.jstor.org/stable/1339687) 3. Soss, J., Langbein, L., & Metelko, A. R. (2003). Why do white Americans support the death penalty?. The Journal of Politics, 65(2), 397-421. (https://www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/abs/10.1111/1468-2508.t01-2-00006) 4. Banner, S. (2022). The death penalty. In The Death Penalty. Harvard University Press. (https://www.degruyter.com/document/doi/10.4159/9780674020511/html) 5. Hoyle, C. (2008). Death Penalty. In Elgar Encyclopedia of Human Rights. Edward Elgar Publishing. (https://www.elgaronline.com/display/book/9781789903621/b-9781789903621.death.penalty.xml) 6. Radelet, M. L., & Borg, M. J. (2000). The changing nature of death penalty debates. Annual Review of Sociology, 26(1), 43-61. (https://www.annualreviews.org/doi/abs/10.1146/annurev.soc.26.1.43) 7. Vidmar, N., & Ellsworth, P. (1973). Public opinion and the death penalty. Stan. L. Rev., 26, 1245. (https://heinonline.org/HOL/LandingPage?handle=hein.journals/stflr26&div=63&id=&page=) 8. Donohue, J. J., & Wolfers, J. (2006). Uses and abuses of empirical evidence in the death penalty debate. (https://www.nber.org/papers/w11982) 9. Ellsworth, P. C., & Gross, S. R. (1994). Hardening of the attitudes: Americans' views on the death penalty. Journal of social Issues, 50(2), 19-52. (https://spssi.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1540-4560.1994.tb02409.x) 10. Wolfgang, M. E., & Riedel, M. (1973). Race, judicial discretion, and the death penalty. The Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, 407(1), 119-133. (https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/000271627340700110)

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  • Freedom of Speech
  • Police Brutality
  • Gun Control
  • Human Trafficking
  • Pro Life (Abortion)
  • I Have a Dream
  • Women's Rights
  • Gender Equality

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  • Capital Punishment Essay

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Essay on Capital Punishment

Capital Punishment is the execution of a person given by the state as a means of Justice for a crime that he has committed. It is a legal course of action taken by the state whereby a person is put to death as a punishment for a crime. There are various methods of capital punishment in order to execute a criminal such as lethal injection, hanging, electrocution, gas chamber, etc. Based on moral and humanitarian grounds, capital punishment is subjected to many controversies not only at the national level but also at the global platform. One must understand the death sentence by itself.

Many records of various civilizations and primal tribal methods denote that the death penalty was a part of their justice system. The system of the prison was evolved to keep people in confinement for some time who have done wrong in their life and was harmful to society. The idea behind keeping the criminal in the prison was to give them a chance to change and reform themselves. The idea works well with people who have done minor offences like theft, robbery, etc. A complication arises when grievous offences like brutal and inhumane acts of rape, murder, mass killing, etc. are involved. So, the contentious part is the grimness of the crime, which is the deciding reason for execution. 

During the 20th century period, millions of people died in the wars between the nations or states. In this violent period, military organizations practised capital punishment as a way of maintaining discipline. The death penalty was employed for crimes in many religious beliefs and historically was practised widely with the support of religious hierarchies. Today, there is no religious faith attached to the morality of capital punishment. It has been left to the discretion of the judiciary system to award the punishment in special circumstances. 

Most people feel that punishment for crimes like murders, rapes, and mass killings should not be death but some reformative or preventive sentence. The death penalty cannot reform a criminal, since once dead he cannot be reformed. Some people hold the view that no one has the right to take away anyone’s life for any reason. One should not take the role of God in taking away anybody’s life. At the same time, a criminal has no right to take away anyone’s life for any reason at all. If a person could go to an extent of taking someone’s life, he too has no right to live in a civilized society. Both the arguments can be cited to support viewpoints that are poles apart. 

Mankind has coined a large number of methods of capital punishment:

hanging by the rope until a person breathes his last.

death by electric current.

the murderer faces a firing squad.

the offender is beheaded and executed.

the culprit is poisoned.

the offender is stoned to death.

he is burnt alive at the stake.

the criminal is made to drown.

the criminal is thrown before hungry beasts of prey.

death through crucifixion.

Guillotine.

the offender is thrown into a poisonous gas chamber.

Methods can be different but all of these methods have one thing common and that is capital punishment is barbaric in all forms. It is savage and vindictive. It is a relic of an uncivilized era. Many people say that the methods by which executions are carried out involve physical torture. Contrary to the popular belief that the death penalty deters all future crimes, various surveys have shown that the threat of the death penalty does not in any way reduce the occurrence of violent crimes. 

Capital Punishment in India

Capital punishment in India does not come with a single stoke. The practice of Capital punishment is not very common in India. In our country, the Court of Session awards a death sentence according to the gravity of the offence, and this verdict requires confirmation by the High Court. Then an appeal can be made to the Supreme Court of India. In some cases, an appeal to the Supreme Court lies as a matter of right, where the High Court has reversed the verdict of the Sessions Court either into acquittal or punishment or has enhanced the sentence to capital punishment. 

Lastly, if needed an appeal can be made to the president of India and the governors of states for mercy. The President is solely guided by the notes in the files by the Home Minister or the Secretariat. He is bound to pen down the reasons for mercy. It is exercised very judiciously. 

Contemplating over capital punishment has been ramping on for a countless number of years. It is true that the death sentence is not the solution to the increase in crimes but at the same time, capital punishment inflicts physiological fear in the minds of people. In many countries, the use of this punishment has helped to deter crimes and change the minds of future criminals against committing heinous crimes. Capital punishment should be given in the rare of the rarest cases after proper investigation of the criminal’s offence. 

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FAQs on Capital Punishment Essay

Q1. What Do You Understand By Capital Punishment?

Ans. Capital Punishment is the execution of a person given by the state as a means of Justice for a crime that he has committed. It is a legal course of action taken by the state whereby a person is put to death as a punishment for a crime. There are quite a few methods of capital punishment to execute a criminal such as lethal injection, hanging, electrocution, gas chamber, etc.

Q2. Why Do Some People Argue Against Capital Punishment?

Ans. Some people argue against capital punishment because they hold the view that no one other than God has the right to take anyone’s life. They argue that criminals should get a chance to change or reform themselves into good and responsible human beings. If they are executed, then they cannot be reformed.

Q3. What are Some Methods that Mankind has Coined for Capital Punishment?

Ans. Mankind has coined various methods of capital punishment:

the criminal is burnt alive at the stake.

the offender is thrown before hungry beasts of prey.

Q4. Does Capital Punishment Deter the Rate of Crimes?

Ans. There is no solid evidence to the theory of capital punishment that it reduces the crime rate but yes it does instil psychological fear in the minds of future criminals against committing heinous crimes.

5 paragraph essay death penalty

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Expository Essay About Death Penalty

The death penalty is the most severe form of punishment of offenders for the crimes committed. However, today, the death penalty evokes a heat debate between opponents and proponents of this form of punishment. In this respect, the position of opponents of the death penalty is more adequate and just compared to the position of proponents because the latter stand on the conservative ground and justify their position by a mere revenge, whereas opponents of the death penalty appeal to basic humanistic values and justice itself. What is meant here is the fact that the death penalty puts under a question the objectivity and correctness of justice because, in case of error and execution of an innocent person, the death penalty can never be justified.

In this respect, it is important to lay emphasis on the fact that the cases of execution of innocent people are not rare. For instance, some specialists (Schabas, 142) analyzing the experience of countries where the death penalty persists argue that errors do occur that means that innocent people are executed in countries where the death penalty is applied, including the US. Obviously, the risk of error is probably the strongest argument against the death penalty because this form of punishment implies irrevocable outcomes. In such a context, the life imprisonment is more reliable in terms of the avoidance or correction of possible errors that are made by the system of justice. At any rate, a person can be released if he or she proves to be innocent, but there is no way back in case of the death penalty.

At the same time, the risk of error, being extremely important, is not the only argument against the death penalty. Opponents of death penalty (Schabas, 176) argue that this form of punishment violated the basic right of offenders – the right to life. On the other hand, proponents of the death penalty (Schabas, 191) argue that the limitation of an individual’s freedom through imprisonment is another violation of his or her rights.

Furthermore, opponents of the death penalty (Schabas, 205) stand on the ground that the death penalty is discriminatory by its nature because it is mainly minorities and the poor that undergo the death penalty, whereas representatives of the upper classes are not vulnerable to such punishment. In this respect, it is possible to refer to cases of frauds among top executives. For instance, Bernard Madoff was sentenced to 150 years in federal prison, although he organized the largest investment fraud in the history of the Wall Street.

Finally, the death penalty is recognized as inapplicable in democratic countries, such as the EU. Many countries refused from the death penalty because it contradicts to their moral norms and democratic principles. Therefore, it would be logical to follow their lead because the elimination of the death penalty did not lead to any negative outcomes, such as the rise of crime rates.

Consequently, the ban of the death penalty will not provoke any negative outcomes. At the same time, the life sentence is a severe punishment that is equal to the death sentence. This is why the ban of the death penalty is essential to prevent the risk of errors and execution of innocent people.

Works Cited:

Schabas, W. The Abolition of the Death Penalty in International Law . Cambridge University Press, 2002.

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5 paragraph essay death penalty

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Essay on Death Penalty

For and against death penalty essay sample to draw inspiration.

Hardly any other issue is so controversial and thought-provoking than a question of whether the death penalty should be implemented or abolished in any part of the globe. This controversy is a rich land for argumentative essays that college teachers like to assign to students so much. Below, you'll find a sample piece on capital punishment; it showcases applying various persuasive approaches and literary techniques to support the abolition of the death penalty. We suggest you read it attentively to draw inspiration and weed out arguments for or against executing criminals nowadays. Alternatively, you can request practical writing help online and get research assistance or an entirely original model piece on the death penalty tailored to your specific requirements.

Introduction

The death penalty is an age-old punishment where a person is punished by execution for his or her crime. Death penalty laws existed since the ancient Babylonian period, and the mention of this practice has been recorded in many books and inscriptions. This practice continues even today in civilized countries like the US, despite educational, democratic, technological, and other advancements we have made as a society. In fact, the US is the only advanced democracy where capital punishment by death is not abolished. By retaining this form of punishment, aren't we exhibiting barbaric traits as a society? This is exactly what this paper argues. A death penalty is a barbaric act simply because the law should be about protecting humans and not killing them. This paper will start with a brief history of the death penalty in the US and will move onto why the death penalty is barbaric and should be abolished.

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Brief History of Death Penalty

The first recorded death penalty in the US was in 1608 when Captain George Kendall was executed in Virginia for being a spy for Spain. Since then, many people were sentenced to death in different colonies, and they were punished for many crimes such as murder, adultery, rape, robbery, witchcraft, and arson. During the 1700s, many philosophers and writers began to argue. When the nation became independent, different states established their own laws for the death penalty. It has continued as a form of practice among many states today though a lot of them have banned it (Burkhead, 2009).

Is Death Penalty Justified?

The big question is whether death penalty is justified even though it has been in existence for many centuries. The answer is a big no because killing a person does not really solve any purpose.

Lawfulness Perspective

There are no concrete laws at the federal level that are against the death penalty. The one that comes closest is the Eighth Amendment of the US Constitution that states that the federal government should not impose excessive fines or award cruel punishment that amounts to undue torture. The idea behind this amendment is to restrict the government from handing down any excess punishment to any individual (The Library of Congress, 2012). Unfortunately, these laws are not concrete and clear, and in many cases, it is open to interpretation. This is why many states had their own laws regarding the death penalty even after several rulings from the Supreme Court. In 1972, for example, the Supreme Court emptied the nation's death rows by declaring all the existing statutes with respect to the death penalty as unconstitutional. Immediately, many states retooled and reworded their statutes to continue death penalty. The Supreme court further tried to abolish death penalty by reducing the crimes that come under the gamut of this punishment. In 2008, for instance, the Supreme Court overruled a ruling by Louisiana court that convicted a father for raping his eight-year-old daughter. The Supreme Court ruled that the punishment is not proportional to the nature of the crime. This ruling overturned all the state laws that awarded capital punishment for child rape. This ruling also brings up the question of what is the appropriate punishment for which crimes.

What is the Appropriate Punishment?

Death can never be an appropriate punishment for any crime simply because society does not give the criminal a chance to get any kind of retribution. When he or she is made to live for the rest of their life in a small room, there is a higher chance for them to atone the sin they committed. Otherwise, it does not solve the purpose.

For those who argue that death penalty will be a deterrent, it is not true either. This is evident in the crime statistics that the US has seen in the last few decades. The murder rate has climbed by 122 percent between 1963 and 1980, and the murder rate in New York City alone rose by 400 percent. It is much worse in other cities. A study undertaken by MIT showed that based on the 1970 homicide rates, an average American had a higher chance of being murdered than an American soldier who fought in World War II (Koch, 1985). This goes to show that death penalty has not brought down the crime rate; on the contrary, it has only increased it. This goes to show that death penalty is not the appropriate punishment if the idea is to reduce crime.

Another reason why death penalty is inappropriate is the finality of the punishment. There is always the possibility for a wrong ruling, and in such a case, nothing can be done out of it.

Divides the Society

Death penalties divide the society intensely because there are people who feel it is justified and others who think it is morally incorrect. These sections of the society are deeply divided on this subject, and the only way to unify them is to abolish death penalty entirely. Death penalty also brings up racial issues. Groups such as the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) charge that the death penalty is applied unfairly. They contend that in the South, black men who rape white women receive more death sentences than white men who rape black women. This creates further rift in society that has battled a lot of racial issues. In this sense too, death penalty is barbaric because it creates problems between different factions of society and, overall, prevents people from living a healthy and happy life.

Moral Standpoint

From a moral standpoint, death penalty is cruel. One of the earliest opponents of the death penalty, Cesare Beccaria, believed that capital punishment is cruel. He argued that the idea of killing criminals made the entire nation more brutal. "Is it not absurd that the laws which detest and punish homicide, should, in order to prevent, publicly commit murder themselves?" (Guernsey, 2009, p.11). The worse part is that this absurdity is followed and in many cases, even supported by courts and some sections of the society. How is it moral to kill one person under the garb of punishment for another person?

In a recent case, JC Shaw was killed by capital punishment in the state of South Carolina. He was executed in the electric chair, and this is what gave him a lot of popularity, leading to his death. While Shaw died, camera crews were focused on capturing the moment, and a group of people cheered the executioner outside the death house. There was an overall sense of elation, and all this was ironically done to affirm life (Bruck, 1985). This execution and the ones that have taken place before and will take place in the future raise a lot of moral questions. For the religious-minded, it was God who created human beings and only He has the power to kill. No human being has the power to kill something they did not create. For non-religious people, there is no happiness when someone is killed. The death of another individual does not give any kind of satisfaction, even if the person is a criminal. In this sense of morality, too, capital punishment is not justified. There is no place for it in a modern society that is based on ethics and values.

Emotional Response and Is It Justified?

The most common reason for this irrationality is an emotional response by the society that wants to mourn for the loss of a loved one. When a close blood relative is killed brutally, the immediate family is angry and wants revenge at any cost. However, after a few years, there is only a sad feeling, and the idea of revenge is lost in most cases. In other words, time is the best healer, and people simply move on. This is not to say that the perpetrator of the crime should go scot-free. Rather, he or she should be given punishment that is rational, moral and just. Some proponents of death penalty argue that it is hard for the victim's family to know that the killer is alive and will be cared for by society (Royko, 1983). Are they going to get closure by killing the killer? Definitely not because irrespective of what happens to the killer, the victim is never going to come back to life.

Further, the reasoning behind death penalty is that the criminal should suffer the last few seconds just like his victim. The ideologies of deterrence never hold good, as is being seen in our society. Though death penalty has existed for centuries in the US, it has not deterred individuals from committing a heinous crime. As rightly pointed by Quindlen (no date, p.66), "I don't believe deterrence is what most proponents seek from the death penalty anyhow. Our most profound emotional response is to want criminals to suffer as the victims did. When a man is accused of throwing a child from a high-rise terrace, my emotional response is that he should be given an opportunity to see how endless the seconds are from the 31st floor to the ground. In a civilized society, that will never happen. And so what many people want from the death penalty, they will never get." This simply makes it a spiteful and revengeful action taken in the spur of the moment that has no implications for anyone involved. Therefore, this is yet another reason to abolish death penalty.

Alternate Choices

The US Supreme Court and society as a whole should reflect the shared values and the growing maturity of people. Awarding capital punishment is a cruel way to punish someone, and it goes against the rights guaranteed by the US Constitution. Moreover, death sentences are final and irreversible, and for these reasons, courts should rule in favor of life imprisonment. In fact, the death penalty should be abolished simply because it is barbaric. While criminals should be punished for the good of society, it does not have to be by way of death. Life imprisonment will give the same amount of retribution and deterrence as well, and this is why it is a more appropriate form of punishment.

In short, the death penalty is barbaric from a moral, legal and ethical standpoints. Therefore, it should be abolished immediately.

  • No author. (2012). The Bill of Rights. The Library of Congress. Retrieved from: http://www.loc.gov/rr/program/bib/ourdocs/billofrights.html
  • Burkhead, Michael. (2009). A Life for a Life: The American Debate Over the Death Penalty. North Carolina: McFarland & Company Inc Publishers.
  • Quindlin, Anna. Death Penalty's False Promise. Awareness of Audience No date. Available at: http://wordpath.weebly.com/uploads/1/3/2/1/13218864/death_pe.pdf
  • Royko, Mike. A Vote for Capital Punishment. The News and Courier. September 29, 1983. Available at: http://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=2506&dat=19830929&id=CsdJAAAAIBAJ&sjid=dAoNAAAAIBAJ&pg=4255,8516999
  • Bruck, David. The Death Penalty. New Republic. 1985. Available at: http://admin.faulkner.edu/admin/websites/cwarmack/bruck.pdf
  • Koch, Edward. Death and Justice. New Republic. 1985. Available at: http://faculty.rcc.edu/jjohnston/English50/readings/death_and_justice.pdf
  • Gottfried, Ted. Capital Punishment: The Death Penalty Debate. Boston: Enslow Publishers. 1997.
  • Guernsey, Joann. Death penalty: Fair Solution or Modern Failure. Minneapolis: Twenty-first Century Books. 2009.

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Essay on Is the Death Penalty Effective

Is the Death Penalty Effective

Human Beings are meant to live by abiding by some rules and regulations. Breaking those rules is subject to punishments. The degree of the punishment depends upon the severity of the crime of violation. The death penalty is the most severe punishment for the commitment of a crime. It is a very relevant topic of discussion and there are several views of people on this topic.

Short and Long Essay on Is the Death Penalty Effective in English

Here we will be discussing the effectiveness of the death penalty in the form of a short and a long essay. I think it will be helpful for the students in preparing for competitive exams and essay writing.

10 Lines Essay on Is the Death Penalty Effective (100-120 Words)

1) People who disobey the law or break the rules are subjected to punishment.

2) The degree of punishment depends on the committed crime.

3) The death penalty is given for evil crimes like murder, rape, terrorism, etc.

4) The death penalty is given to create fear among people to avoid heinous crimes.

5) Unfortunately, the death penalty is not successful in reducing crime rates.

6) Cases like rape, terrorism, etc are still heard in the country every day.

7) Death penalty remains ineffective as it takes several years to come into action.

8) No evidence can be found that supports the death penalty.

9) In many cases innocent becomes the victim of this punishment.

10) Due to its ineffectiveness, many countries have abolished the death penalty.

Short Essay (250 words)

Introduction

The death penalty is the most severe form of punishment that is given to criminals for committing heinous offenses. It is given so that people may fear and think twice before doing serious offenses. The procedure of giving the death penalty is different in various nations of the world.

The death penalty is inhumane according to Religious values

The cruelest punishment called the death penalty is wrong according to religious values. The religious values state that life is a precious gift of God. Except for the supreme power, nobody in this world has any right to take anyone’s life. According to religious values, the punishment of the death penalty takes away the chance of improving from the criminal. Many times the innocent people are also executed for the offense that they have not committed. Therefore it can be said that the death penalty is not the right action according to religious values.

The act of abolishing the Death Penalty

The death Penalty is given so that nobody dares to do the severe crime after seeing the harsh punishment. It is the cruelest punishment but is still not able to reduce the crime rate. There is a need of abolishing the punishment of the death penalty. It is gradually being abolished in many countries of the world. The European countries were the first to abolish the punishment of the death penalty. The United Nations is also trying to abolish death penalty punishment in the entire world. Recently after the hanging of the culprits of the ‘Nirbhaya’ offence, United Nations has also asked India to abolish the death penalty in the nation.

Conclusion The death penalty would be the right decision if there were the chances of reduction in crime rate and no innocent execution. It would be right to say that the death penalty is not effective in doing both and thus should be abolished.

What is Death Penalty and How it is Effective in Reducing the Crime Rate – Long Essay (1000 Words)

The most extreme punishment for violent criminals is the death sentence. This topic has always been the limelight of discussion. Many of us have our views in support of the death penalty while views of some are against it too. Recently the discussion for abolishing the death penalty in India is a priority.

What is Death Penalty?

The death penalty is also known as Capital Punishment is given to criminals by the court of criminal justice for most offensive acts. It is referred to as an act of killing a person for the heinous crime committed by that individual. In such cases, the court passes a verdict as a punishment for the crime and that is called a death sentence that when carried out is termed as the execution of the order. Brutal crimes like rapes, murders, mass murder, sexual abuse, terrorism, war crimes, genocide, piracy, sedition, etc. are subject to capital punishments.

Hanging, shooting, lethal injection, stoning, electrocution, etc. are some of the ways of executing the death penalty. The methods of the application of capital punishment vary in different nations. Many countries have abolished this form of punishment but it is still followed in the nations like India, China, the USA, Pakistan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Nigeria, Egypt, Iran, Japan, and Taiwan, etc.

Evolution of Death Penalty in India

The Indian constitution came into force in 1950. Before the enactment of the constitution, the death penalty was given easily in British rule. During the first five years of enactment of the constitution, a person for committing murder or violent crime was given a death statement as it was in regular process. Further, in 1955, there evolved a change in giving punishments to criminals.

The session judge was granted a discretionary power of giving two types of punishments for violent criminals. He can either give life imprisonment or the death penalty according to the brutality of the case. Later frequent changes were taking place in the law. There was an amendment was done in the Criminal Procedure Code in 1973. The session judge has to provide a relevant reason for giving the punishment like life imprisonment or death sentence to the criminal. The death penalty can only be given in the rarest cases only.

Positive Aspects of Death Penalty

We all are aware that the death penalty is one of the extreme punishments for criminals. The criminals committing such unlawful crimes are the offenders of law and are sentenced to death. Some positive aspects of the death penalty are enlisted below:

  • Prevent Reoccurrence of Crimes – Death penalty are given to criminals committing the brutal offense. This develops a fear in the minds of people and stops them from reoffending. The thought of ending of life or destruction of one’s life prevents them from such violent crimes. This will help in lowering the crime rates.
  • Satisfaction to the Family of Victims – The execution of the death penalty of the criminal brings a feeling of satisfaction to the family of the victim of the offense. They can further step on in their lives.
  • End of Brutal Criminals – Death penalty helps in cleaning up the violent criminals from society. They cannot be trusted if granted Life imprisonment as they can cause harm to others. It is also costly to keep them in prison for the whole life. Why should such criminals survive on our money? Thus it is the best way of getting rid of such criminals from our society.

Negative Aspects of Death Penalty

  • Execution of Innocent People – It has been observed that many times innocent people are killed because of the faulty system and jurisdiction. They are mistakenly found guilty and since they cannot give the evidence of their innocence become the culprits.
  • Act of Killing is Inhuman – Capital punishment is a form of punishing by killing the criminals. Killing anyone is not a good act and is equivalent to murder. Therefore death punishment has been abolished by the different nations in the world.
  • No Chance of Improvement – It is believed that one chance should be given to everyone in life. Similarly, the criminals should be provided one chance of improvement in life. They might understand their offense and try to improve and repent for the crime committed by them in the prison.

Is Death Penalty Effective in Reducing the Crime Rate?

The death Penalty (Capital punishment) has always been a topic for arguments and discussions. The most important issue is that whether this extreme punishment is capable of reducing the crime rates in the world. Capital punishment to criminals is an ultimate justice to the victims of society. This punishment is in practice for many years in different nations except the ones that have abolished this form of punishment.

It is sad to state that the death penalty being such an extreme punishment is also not effective in reducing the crime rates in society. Terrorists sentenced to death do not repent for what they did as they are planned with a mindset of dying. The increasing crime rate and evidence state that the death penalty is not effective in reducing crime. If people would fear capital punishment then the crime rate would surely fall.

The criminal does not think before acting and the crime is committed in aggressiveness. Moreover, this punishment would bring some change if action is prompt. We have observed that it takes years in proving the crime and passing the jurisdiction. In my opinion death penalty is not effective in reducing the crime rate and deterring people from committing violent crimes.

The death penalty is basically a very extreme form of punishment for exceptional crimes. It has been practiced from the beginning of civilization on this earth. The death penalty in ancient times was most painful and full of tortures. At present, the most important transformation is required in the system and governance so that people may get justice and no innocent would suffer.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions

Ans . The United States of America is only a western country to practice the death penalty.

Ans . 108 countries have abolished the death penalty.

Ans . 10th October is celebrated as world day against the death penalty.

Ans . Nathuram Godse was the first criminal to be sentenced death.

Ans . The President or the Governor can forgive the death sentence only in exceptional cases.

Ans . The act of carrying out the death sentence is called as execution.

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